The change in direction of the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce to be­come a more advocacy-centric organization has been chronicled many times during 2013. As the year has drawn to a close, it is important to take a look back and review the topics that were tackled.
The year started with a bang as the Chamber saw its efforts come to frui­tion with the unanimous passage of the expanded informed consent legis­lation designed to allow Spaceport America to compete on an even play­ing field with other like entities around the ... Continue Reading

I am honored to write my first Bottom Line column as 2014 board chairman for the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce.
We are so fortunate to have had such positive leadership from outgoing Chair Leslie Cervantes and those who have paved the way before her. Her skills across many areas, as well as the staff ’s dedication, have helped the Chamber to be the important influence it is today in local and regional policy-making.
As an owner of a small business, I understand the hurdles we in business must face just to keep our doors open. My focus will be ... Continue Reading

Given the general state of our economy, I am still looking forward to 2014 and what it could bring southern New Mexico. We weathered the storm of the recent recession better than some places. That isn’t to say there weren’t people and businesses impacted during it, there were.
Thanks to MVEDA, there continues to be activity in Las Cruces and the county. It’s great to see construction projects under way as it is a source of gross receipts tax revenue and a sign outside businesses see the area as an attractive place to locate.
There are two major projects coming on line ... Continue Reading

FREE SOFTWARE WEBINAR: “The Office of the Future” – February 11th, 11:00am PST / 2:00pm EST
WHEN: Tuesday, FEBRUARY 11TH, 11:00am PST / 2:00pm EST
WHERE: Online, via GoToWebinar *see bottom of email for details*
FOR: Business Owners, Department Heads, Supervisors, HR Managers
TOPIC: “The Office of the Future” – a look at the evolving landscape of technology and software in the office.
PRESENTER: Chip Reaves, Founder and President of Bigger Brains. Chip has been interviewed by ABC News, the Wall Street
Journal and the New York Times on major media topics related to small business technology and entrepreneurship.
His company publishes online training courses covering ... Continue Reading

Successful business people not only have a mission and vision statement, they also have a business plan and a budget to analyze, manage and direct their business. That is all a part of a process to help ensure their success and a return on their investment. It should not be surprising to anyone when we the business community apply similar logic to other issues that impact our lives.

This discussion is not just about protecting some land that we value. This discussion is about our future and the best choices for our community. We would be derelict in our duty not ... Continue Reading